Kodi Smit-McPhee Is Nightcrawler in this ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ First Look (PHOTO)

X-Men: Apocalypse doesn’t hit theaters until next summer, but we’re already getting our first look at the third film in the X-Men prequel series.

Kodi Smit-McPhee will play Nightcrawler (Kurt Wagner) in the film, and the first photos of the actor show a pretty impressive grasp of the blue, tailed, teleporting mutant. Nightcrawler hasn’t been seen on the big screen since X2: X-Men United way the hell back in 2003, so his return to the X-Men cinematic universe is long overdue. And Smit-McPhee is arguably as good a choice as any to usher him back into the franchise, as he’s no stranger to thoughtful dramas (The Road) and big budget blockbusters (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) alike. Check out the first look photos below:

Overall, I dig the look. It’s striking but not over-the-top. Some might take issue with dressing him in what looks to be the Sears Summer Fashion Line, but I think it fits this particular, more youthful take on the character. He’s no less of an outsider, or any less enigmatic. I like it.